Recurrent dislocation of the elbow

Abstract

A case of a recurrent dislocation of the elbow joint in a 13-year-old female is described. The patient sustained a medial epicondylar fracture of the humerus and consulted us four months later. There was no deformity but marked lateral instability of the elbow was recognized. It could be fully flexed and hyperextended ca 20 degrees. The elbow joint could be easily dislocated by pronation of the hyperextended elbow. Roentgenogram demonstrated an apparent non-union of the medial epicondylar fracture. The fragment was repositioned so that the medial collateral ligament became taut. There was no recurrence of the dislocation ten months postoperatively.